The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 1 eBook

He that putteth forth his might both upon his benefactor
and his foe, is an object of alarm to the world, like
a snake that hath taken shelter in a house, to the
inmates thereof. What prosperity can he have
who is an object of alarm to the world? People
always do him an injury when they find a hole.
Therefore, should men never exhibit might in excess
nor forgiveness on all occasions. One should
put forth his might and show his forgiveness on proper
occasions. He that becometh forgiving at the
proper time and harsh and mighty also at the proper
time, obtaineth happiness both in this world and the
other.

“’I shall now indicate the occasions in
detail of forgiveness, as laid down by the learned,
and which should ever be observed by all. Hearken
unto me as I speak! He that hath done thee a service,
even if he is guilty of a grave wrong unto thee, recollecting
his former service, shouldst thou forgive that offender.
Those also that have become offenders from ignorance
and folly should be forgiven for learning and wisdom
are not always easily attainable by man. They
that having offended thee knowingly, plead ignorance
should be punished, even if their offences be trivial.
Such crooked men should never be pardoned. The
first offence of every creature should be forgiven.
The second offence, however, should be punished, even
if it be trivial. If, however, a person commiteth
an offence unwillingly, it hath been said that examining
his plea well by a judicious enquiry, he should be
pardoned. Humility may vanquish might, humility
may vanquish weakness. There is nothing that
humility may not accomplish. Therefore, humility
is truly fiercer (than it seemeth)! One should
act with reference to place and time, taking note
of his own might or weakness. Nothing can succeed
that hath been undertaken without reference to place
and time. Therefore, do thou ever wait for place
and time! Sometimes offenders should be forgiven
from fear of the people. These have been declared
to be times of forgiveness. And it hath been
said that on occasions besides these, might should
be put forth against transgressors.’

“Draupadi continued, ’I, therefore, regard,
O king, that the time hath come for thee to put forth
thy might! Unto those Kurus the covetous sons
of Dhritarashtra who injure us always, the present
is not the time for forgiveness! It behoveth
thee to put forth thy might. The humble and forgiving
person is disregarded; while those that are fierce
persecute others. He, indeed, is a king who hath
recourse to both, each according to its time!’”